How to use this lesson: read each item aloud, notice the collocation, cover the definition and retrieve the word from memory. Then use at least three items in your own sentences.
10 useful words and phrases
ingredient
One of the foods used to make a dish.
Example: Fresh tomatoes are the main ingredient.
Natural collocation: key ingredient
recipe
Instructions for preparing a dish.
Example: This recipe serves four people.
Natural collocation: follow a recipe
portion
An amount of food for one person.
Example: The portions were generous.
Natural collocation: large portion
season
To add salt, herbs or spices to food.
Example: Season the soup before serving.
Natural collocation: season well
grill
To cook food using strong heat from above or below.
Example: Grill the vegetables for five minutes.
Natural collocation: grilled vegetables
roast
To cook food in an oven using dry heat.
Example: We roasted the potatoes with rosemary.
Natural collocation: roast dinner
texture
The way food feels in the mouth.
Example: The sauce has a smooth texture.
Natural collocation: creamy texture
flavour
The particular taste of food or drink.
Example: Lemon adds a fresh flavour.
Natural collocation: rich flavour
menu
A list of food and drinks available in a restaurant.
Example: The lunch menu changes every week.
Natural collocation: set menu
bill
A written statement of what you must pay.
Example: Could we have the bill, please?
Natural collocation: ask for the bill
Quick vocabulary check
- 1. Which word means “one of the foods used to make a dish”? ingredient
- 2. Which word means “instructions for preparing a dish”? recipe
- 3. Which word means “an amount of food for one person”? portion
- 4. Which word means “to add salt, herbs or spices to food”? season
- 5. Which word means “to cook food using strong heat from above or below”? grill
Make the vocabulary active
Choose five items above and make them personal. Say one true sentence about your life, work, studies or experience for each item. For stronger recall, return tomorrow and try to reproduce the collocations without looking.